Guitar Dictionary Category
Classical & Flamenco Guitar
What Is Tambora on Guitar?
Tambora, also called tambor or tambour, is a classical and flamenco guitar effect produced by striking the strings close to the bridge with the side of the thumb or another fleshy part of the picking hand.
The strike sounds a chord together with a short, drum-like impact. Because the contact occurs on the strings rather than the soundboard, tambora differs from golpe.
Where and How to Strike
Strike the strings immediately beside the bridge, where they are firm enough to produce a clear pitched percussion sound. Rotate the forearm or hand so the side of the thumb contacts several strings together.
Do not hit the bridge itself. The movement should rebound from the strings rather than drive into the guitar top.
Tambora vs Golpe
Golpe taps the protected soundboard and adds a non-pitched percussion accent. Tambora strikes the strings and normally preserves some chord pitch. A score or arrangement may combine both effects, so the player must distinguish the target.
Tambora vs Palm Muting
Palm muting dampens strings while they are picked or strummed. Tambora creates the attack by striking the strings directly. The hand may stop the resonance after impact, but muting is not the defining action.
Notation
Tambora may be marked tamb., tambora, tambour or with a symbol explained by the composer. Percussive guitar notation is not universal, so read the score legend.
Tambora Practice Exercise
- Hold a simple chord.
- Strike all six strings once near the bridge.
- Repeat as steady quarter notes.
- Alternate one tambora strike with one ordinary chord.
- Move the contact point slightly and compare the pitch-to-percussion balance.
Use moderate force. The goal is a controlled drum-like chord, not maximum impact.
Rolls and Repeated Effects
Some music uses repeated tambora strokes to create a drum roll or heartbeat effect. Build this gradually, keeping the pulse even and the wrist free from excessive tension.
Why Tambora Matters
Tambora turns a chord into a combined harmonic and percussion event. It can mark a climax, create rhythmic contrast or support contemporary body-percussion textures without requiring another instrument.
Kalymi Tip
Find the sound with one stroke before attempting a roll. Strike beside the bridge and listen for both chord pitch and drum impact.
Use less force than you think. If the hand feels jarred or the bridge receives direct contact, change the angle and target before repeating the technique.
Related Terms
Learn More
- Mastering Fingerstyle Ukulele Companion
- Guitar Arrangements
- Guitar Learning Path
- How to Play the Guitar Tambor Technique
- Extended Techniques for Classical Guitar
- Kalymi Music Library
Reviewed by
Brent C. Robitaille,
music educator and founder of
Kalymi Music.